DEVICE FOR DETERMINING RISK OF DEVELOPING BREAST CANCER AND METHOD THEREOF
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Abstract
A cost-effective and sensitive apparatus and method for detecting individuals at risk for developing or having breast cancer is provided. More particularly, an apparatus and method for detecting markers associated with breast cancer risk is provided in one embodiment. The apparatus and method use nipple aspirate fluid obtained from breast ducts. This nipple aspirate fluid is applied to a marker panel that tests for the presence of specific markers associated with breast cancer risk. The apparatus and method provide a positive response based upon the detection of at least one marker associated with an increased risk for developing or having breast cancer.
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Citations
38 Claims
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1-18. -18. (canceled)
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19. A device for identifying individuals at risk for breast cancer, the device comprising:
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an adhesive configured to attach to human tissue; a well for capturing ductal fluid from a breast duct; at least one panel configured to contact ductal fluid captured in the well, wherein said panel comprises at least one marker detector adapted to detect at least one marker, said at least one marker being associated with breast cancer risk; wherein the at least one marker comprises EGF and urokinase; wherein said marker detector is adapted to bind to the at least one marker; and wherein said device indicates a positive response upon binding of the at least one marker. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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33. A device for identifying individuals at risk for breast cancer, the device comprising:
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an adhesive configured to attach to human tissue; a well for capturing ductal fluid from a breast duct; at least one panel, wherein said panel is configured to contact ductal fluid captured in the well, wherein said panel comprises at least one marker detector; wherein the marker detector comprises an antibody or antigen; wherein said antibody or antigen detects a marker selected from the group consisting of one or more of the following markers;
EGF, urokinase, bFGF, A-lipoprotein D, mammaglobin, prostate surface antigen, Vitamin D binding protein, GCDFP15, alpha-Lactoalbumin, Cathepsin D, Annexin I/II/V, Free Her-2, Alpha-fetoprotein, C Reactive Protein, and Carcinoembryonic antigen;wherein said marker detector is adapted to bind to at least one of said markers; wherein said markers are associated with breast cancer risk; and wherein said device indicates a positive response upon detection of at least one of said markers. - View Dependent Claims (34)
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35. A method for identifying individuals at risk for breast cancer, the method comprising:
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providing a bandage comprising an adhesive, a well and a panel; capturing ductal fluid from a breast duct in said well; contacting the panel with the captured ductal fluid in the well; wherein the panel comprises at least one marker detector, wherein said marker detector is adapted to detect markers associated with breast cancer risk; and wherein the marker comprises at least one of EGF and urokinase; and indicating a positive response upon detection of said marker. - View Dependent Claims (36)
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37. A system for identifying individuals at risk for breast cancer, the system comprising:
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a well for capturing ductal fluid from a breast duct, wherein said ductal fluid may comprise one or more markers associated with breast cancer risk; at least one panel adapted to contact ductal fluid captured by the well; wherein the at least one panel comprises at least one marker detector; wherein said at least one marker detector is adapted to detect one or more of said markers associated with breast cancer risk; wherein said markers comprise EGF and urokinase; and wherein said system indicates a positive response upon detection of at least one of said markers. - View Dependent Claims (38)
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Specification